After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.